Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean

Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1171692).

POGO was founded by directors of oceanographic institutions around the world as a forum to promote and advance the observation of the global ocean. It exists to advance the science of global ocean observation for the public benefit, through education, research, scholarships and research fellowships, and innovation and technology. Its microgrant scheme supports Working Groups, Training Initiatives and other ocean observing-related initiatives. The annual report shows £412,851 awarded, of which £201,590 went to individuals.

Priority Areas

POGO’s microgrants support initiatives proposed and led by POGO member institutions: Working Groups, training initiatives and other ocean-observation-related activities. They aim to identify and fill gaps in global ocean observation, especially sustained, long-term observing systems and shared use of infrastructure, data and information. Supported work may develop recommendations, new technologies, partnerships, improved data access and visualisation, or training. POGO welcomes joint Working Groups with partner organisations, while participants from other institutes may join where necessary. Training initiatives include additional support for existing courses and support for new initiatives. Separately, POGO provides scholarships and fellowships for early-career scientists and research grants to participating institutions. Proposals are assessed for strategic relevance, timeliness, deliverables, budgets, membership balance and, for training, expected impact and evaluation methods.

Themes

• Global ocean observation
• Ocean observing technology
• Ocean observation training
• Ocean data access

Geographic Focus

Priority: Argentina; Bangladesh; Brazil; Colombia; Ghana; India; Indonesia; Kenya; Lebanon; Mexico; Nigeria; Senegal; Thailand; Togo; Tunisia.

The application has two stages: applicants submit an Expression of Intent using the provided form; successful applicants are invited to submit a full proposal using the appropriate template to the POGO Secretariat.

Deadlines: Calls for proposals are issued once or twice per year; proposals must meet the published deadline.

Application windows:

• POGO Microgrant funding scheme — Expression of Intent: Expression of Intent deadline is in April.

Who can apply:

• Proposals must be submitted by members of POGO, although participants can be from other institutes if necessary.

What to send:

• POGO Microgrant funding scheme
  • The appropriate proposal template.
  • The proposal must be signed by the official POGO Member representative.
  • A request for extension using the provided template, if a Working Group wishes to continue for a second year.
• POGO working groups, workshops, travel grants, training initiatives and other activities: A completed template for applicants to submit to the POGO Secretariat.

Applying again: POGO Microgrant funding scheme — Working Groups: If a Working Group wishes to continue for a second year, a request for extension must be submitted, using the template provided, by the same deadline as the new proposals.

What the charity says:

• Proposals are assessed for strategic relevance and timeliness, adequate deliverables and milestones, requested budget, and working-group or project membership balance, including geography and gender.
• Training proposals are assessed for expected impact and how success will be evaluated.
• Other funding sources should not determine selection, while feasibility against the requested and any additional budget is considered.
• Proposal leaders are required to present progress at POGO Annual Meetings and submit a final written and financial report.